Himes, Finch applaud EPA grants to clean up hazardous sites in Bridgeport area

The EPA’s Brownfields program works with states and localities by providing funds to help clean up properties that may be contaminated by hazardous substances or pollutants. In this round of funding, the EPA is distributing $600,000 to areas in the 4th district.

· The city of Bridgeport will receive $200,000 for planning, community outreach and the cleanup of hazardous substances at the former AGI Rubber site at 141 Stratford Avenue.

· The Greater Bridgeport Regional Council in Bridgeport and Stratford will $400,000 in the form of two grants. The two grants – one for petroleum and one for hazardous materials – support community outreach activities and help to build the site’s Geographic Information System to relay information about brownfields to the public. The East Bridgeport Development Corridor and Downtown Stratford will be the primary areas of focus for these grants.

“These kinds of grants can be very helpful in reclaiming areas of our cities,” said Himes. “When we talk about redevelopment, livable spaces, and creating an environment where businesses and families can thrive, we have to begin with clean, healthy spaces. $600,000 is a very substantial amount that can start us toward this goal, and I’m grateful that the EPA has chosen our community for this investment.”

“This is great news,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. “With these funds, we’ll soon begin knocking down a run-down property that has plagued a central location in our city for decades. Doing so will make the property more attractive to job creators and investors, allowing us to continue developing the waterfront. Thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency and our federal delegation for working with us to make Bridgeport better every day.”